The Top Liveaboards in The Maldives For Beginners

Sometimes beginner divers feel intimidated about diving from liveaboards. But, it doesn’t have to be this way. Some of the top liveaboards in the Maldives are for beginners and novice scuba divers including snorkelers.

I made up a small list of the best liveaboards in the Maldives (in no particular order) that are very good for you and your family. There will be discussions here about what diving is like along with my recommended itineraries and much more. I’ll tell you why my chosen liveaboards are ideal for you.

First, let me quickly tell you a bit about what your vacation in the Maldives will be like…

Not only are the Maldives popular for its tropical weather, but it’s also an underwater treasure of large pelagic ocean creatures. Manta rays, whale sharks, giant Napoleon wrasses, guitar sharks and at times, even the majestic hammerheads can be spotted lurking around impressive pinnacles and channels.

There are very gentle to very strong currents which are dependent on the moon phase so you will want to be aware of its occurrences.

Although diving can be done year-round, your best dive experience for beginners is from December to April. The ocean is calm and visibility is very good allowing you to see these large creatures in the Central Atolls. This is where you want to dive.

May to November is excellent if you want to see whale sharks and manta rays. Keep in mind that the visibility may not be great. I suggest bringing your umbrella when you go for walks along the shore…

Are you an experienced diver? You’re still going to have unforgettable dives of your life so please bring your underwater camera.

Can you bring your non-diving family with you? Yes absolutely! In fact, someone might want to learn to dive. Along with many other activities on liveaboards, there is one here that offers the entry-level Open Water Diver course option in their itinerary.

This is the perfect time to gain more dive confidence.

As a beginner or novice diver, you are going to get plenty of dives in from liveaboards so why not learn more and improve your skills as you dive with courses like the Advanced Open Water Diver course, Wreck diving course, and Nitrox?

Are you a vegan or have other dietary needs?  No worries! All you have to do is note your requirements on the booking form when you’re ready to book with any liveaboard.

Top Liveaboards In The Maldives – Divers and Snorkelers

Have you thought about having a little family get-together on a liveaboard? There are all kinds of activities you can do other than scuba diving and snorkelling. For instance:

• Spa treatments
• Jacuzzi
• Open air massage
• Yoga
• Fishing
• Kayaking
• Paddle boarding
• Mini gym
• Shore excursions

Pretty impressive right? However, not all liveaboards provide this kind of service and this is why I did my research for you.

Alright, let’s get on with the liveaboards that I know your family and friends will enjoy without anyone feeling left out while you scuba dive or snorkel.

1. The Scubaspa Ying and The Yang Liveaboards

The Ying was built in 2013 and the Yang was built in 2014. The two liveaboards are sisters to each other and are part of the Scubaspa Maldives fleets.

To read my review, click here.

Both liveaboards are 5-star floating resorts. Boasting to give you ‘outstanding service’ and memorable experiences, you are pampered by their crew of 30 members.

The Ying and the Yang liveaboards can each accommodate a maximum of 40 guests but with an impressive size of 50m/165’ in length and 11m/36’ wide and 4 spacious decks, you and your partner or family have lots of room to chill out.

There are packages you will want to choose like:

• The luxurious spa treatments from their spa therapists
• The spa treatments and diving
• Diving
• Honeymoon with the packages and extra services

Menus: To wet your palate, their professional and experienced chefs will prepare meals from local to international cuisine.

Your tea, coffee, and juices are complimentary at breakfast only. Water is at no charge. Alcohol is $.

Best suited for: Divers with all types of skills, snorkelers, non-swimmers, families, groups, and private groups (wedding).

Activities: There is something for everyone. Diving, snorkelling, kayaking, fishing, spa treatments, yoga, land excursions, mini gym, BBQ on sandy beaches, and even watching a movie under the stars.

Internet is FREE.

Diving: You can expect to do 15-17 dives. Diving is done from a specially designed dhoni dive boat. Accompanied underwater by tour guides who are Dive Masters or Instructors, you will have plenty to see. Gear rentals, dive courses and Nitrox are available $ and nitrox is free.

Divers of all skill levels are welcomed, however, if you are unfamiliar with drift diving, I suggest taking the Advanced Open Water Diver Course for an even greater dive experience.

For those who want to learn how to dive, you can take the Discover Scuba course or take the Open Water Diver Certification Course on the liveaboard provided you are physically fit.

Departure and Arrival: Male International Airport in Male

Recommended Itinerary for Beginners:  Best of Maldives (Male – Male) for 4 nights or 7 nights. (15 to 17 dives)

Rate Per Day Per Person (subject to changes): $331.00 + USD

2. Maldives Aggressor II

The Maldives Aggressor II is a luxury liveaboard that gives you 4 great dives every day in addition to impressive night dives.

This vessel was built in 2009 and was renovated in 2012. With a crew member of 16 and 3 large decks and 11 cabins, there is plenty of room for 22 guests.

Menus: Your delightful menus will range from culinary American delights to mouth-watering Maldivian dishes.

Unlike many liveaboards who charge local beer and wine, the Maldives Aggressor II is different. Here, you get the full service, local beer, wine, juices, tea, coffee, water and of course snacks in between your meals are all included with your itinerary.

NOTE: Divers consuming too much alcohol will not be allowed to dive until the next day.

Best suited for: Divers of all levels of experience, snorkelers, non-swimmers, families, and groups.

Activities: Diving and snorkelling. Time in the Jacuzzi on the sundeck, salon, bar and grill, check your photos, and free internet.

Diving: Diving is from the vessel’s large dhoni which is fully equipped with tanks. Their professional dive team is there to assist and be your dive tour guide.

The Maldives Agressor II offers you the Advanced Open Water Diver, Photography and Nitrox Certification courses.

You are not required to provide proof of your number of dives, however, this liveaboard recommends you be comfortable with drift diving. If you have never done drift diving, I highly recommend taking the Advanced Open Water Certification course. This will make you feel more comfortable and a confident diver.

Gear rentals and nitrox are available $.

Departure and Arrival: Male International Airport in Male

Recommended Itinerary for Beginners: Best of Maldives (Male – Male) 7 Nights (18 dives)

Rate Per Day Per Person (subject to changes): $236 + USD

3. MY Conte Max

The MY Conte Max liveaboard focuses not only on ensuring you get the best services possible, but they also believe in your wellness.

To nourish your mind and body, they offer you their popular world-class Ayurveda massage spa and boutique.

With a friendly and smiling crew of 14, they can easily look after their 20 guests who are mostly beginner and novice divers and snorkelers.

The MY Conte Max is 33m/108’ long and almost 10m/33’ wide with 3 large decks giving plenty of room to enjoy your quiet moments. This liveaboard was built in 2005 and renovated in 2012. It comes with 8 cabins, 2 restaurants, a bar and a saloon where you can watch movies.

Menus: The skilled and artistic chefs prepare delightful dishes that have a touch of a finely detailed mix of international, Italian and Maldivian cuisine. There are plenty of snacks and fresh fruit waiting for you.

If you’re a vegetarian, they have already thought of you with their food options.

Best suited for: Non-swimmers, divers with all levels of skills, snorkelers, students and dive instructors, families and groups.

Divers should be comfortable doing drift diving.

Activities: Diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, massages and spas, movies, and shore excursions. The MY Conte Max is quite unique because it also has a decompression tank.

Internet is available.

Diving: To get to the best remote dive sites, the MY Conte Max liveaboard like other liveaboards in the Maldives, uses a dive dhoni boat to cater to divers.

Interested in trying out scuba diving? Well, you can, and it’s part of your itinerary as long as you are physically fit and comfortable in the ocean. This includes your dive gear.

The MY Conte Max also offers the Advanced Open Water Diver and Nitrox Course $. Nitrox fills are free. Rebreathers are available as well.

Don’t forget to bring your underwater camera because you will want to take advantage of their charging stations on this liveaboard and look at all your fantastic photos and video shots of the day.

Departure and Arrival: Male International Airport in Male

Recommended Itinerary for Beginners: Manta Trust Expedition (Male –Male) 7 Nights (14 – 16 dives)

NOTE: This trip is mostly dedicated to studying the magnificent giant manta rays and so you have a wonderful opportunity to dive and learn with the Manta Trust scientists.

Rate Per Day Per Person (subject to changes): $228 + USD

4. MV Emperor Voyager

The MV Emperor Voyager offers one of the best-personalized services regarding your accommodation, facilities, meals, and services.

This beautiful liveaboard was skillfully crafted in 2004 and totally restored in 2014. With a grand size of 30m/98’ long and 9m/30’ wide, it can easily accommodate 20 guests.

Menus: Your menus on the MV Emperor Voyager consist of an array of western food. You will never go hungry with all their snacks too. There is also plenty of delicious food for the vegetarian.

Best suited for: Divers of all skill levels, snorkelers, families, and non-swimmers.

Activities: Diving, snorkelling, watching a movie, BBQs on a remote island, board games, library, and of course, sunbathing on one of the decks are your main activities.

Internet is available $

Diving: Diving is from either their dhoni or zodiac. Hopefully, you’ll be diving from a dhoni as it is rather challenging to get back on a zodiac at the end of a dive. 

While you are not required to have a minimum number of logged dives on the MV Emperor Voyager, you should be comfortable with drift diving. A way to do this is to improve your diving skills which will give you more confidence and so this vessel offers the Advanced Open Water Diver and Wreck diving courses $.

Nitrox is free.

Departure and Arrival: Male International Airport in Male

Recommended Itineraries: There are 2 – The Best of Maldives 7 Nights and the Manta Madness (Male – Male) for 7 Nights. (17 – 18 dives)

Rate Per Day Per Person (subject to changes): $224 + USD

5. My Honors Legacy

The MY Honors Legacy is more like your super modern-day yacht with lots of open space giving you a feeling of comfort.

This vessel, built in 2012, is a massive 34m/110’ in length and 9m/30’ wide with 9 cabins accommodating a maximum of 18 guests.

Menus: If your appetite calls for diverse food, you will definitely want to try their international cuisine of Thai, Italian, Sri Lankan and of course Maldivian foods.

You will never go hungry because of all of their snacks.

Best suited for: Divers of all skill levels, snorkelers, and non-water people.

Activities: Diving, snorkelling, spa, jacuzzi time, massages, movies, karaoke at the bar, library, fishing, surfing, and land excursions on remote islands.

Internet is available $

Diving: Diving is done from their large dhoni. Please remember to bring your dive certification card and dive log book. You will be asked to show them.

Nitrox, gear rentals, and dive courses are available $.

Departure and Arrival: Male International Airport in Male

Recommended Itinerary for Beginners: Best of Maldives (Male – Male) 7 Nights (18 dives)

Rate Per Night Per Person (subject to changes): $208 + USD

Summary of the Top Liveaboards in the Maldives

There you go, I have given you 5 of the top liveaboards in the Maldives perfect for drivers and snorkelers of all skills. If you’re unsure of which liveaboard to book with, my suggestion is to look at the following:

• Prices
• Types of services and activities
• What will be the most appealing to your family
• Schedules
• Food and vegan diets
• Gear rentals
• Customer reviews

Have you been on any of these liveaboards? If you have, I would like to hear about your experiences. Let me know which liveaboard. What are your stories underwater and on any liveaboard?

Thanks for reading,

Monica